Legal Definitions - forisfactum

Forisfactum is a historical legal term referring to property that has been forfeited. In essence, it describes a situation where an individual lost ownership of their property as a direct consequence of a legal action, often due to a crime, a breach of a specific condition, or a failure to uphold a legal duty. This loss of property was typically to the crown, a lord, or another legal entity.

• Example 1: In medieval England, a powerful baron was found guilty of high treason against the King. As a result of his conviction, all his vast estates, castles, and personal wealth were seized by the Crown.

  Explanation: The baron's property became forisfactum because it was forfeited to the King as a direct legal consequence of his treasonous actions.

• Example 2: A historical charter granted a specific plot of land to a monastery, but with the explicit condition that the monastery must maintain a public infirmary for the poor. If the monastery failed to uphold this condition for an extended period, the land could be reclaimed by the original grantor or their heirs.

  Explanation: The land would be considered forisfactum, having been forfeited due to the monastery's failure to meet the stipulated condition of the grant.

• Example 3: During a period of civil unrest, a wealthy merchant was accused and convicted of aiding rebels. As part of his punishment, a significant portion of his trading ships and warehouses were confiscated by the ruling authorities.

  Explanation: The merchant's ships and warehouses became forisfactum, meaning they were forfeited to the state as a penalty for his criminal involvement.